Defenceman Drew Bannister, the newest addition to the Excel Hull Stingrays and one of the the club's biggest ever name signings, has been handed a dual player-assistant coaching role by head coach Sylvain Cloutier.
The veteran, entering the twilight of his career at the age of 36 after more than 1000 professional appearances, is understandably looking to move into coaching after his playing days are over and Cloutier was more than willing to offer the experienced blueliner a dual role.
The move will almost certainly benefit both parties, giving the Stingrays the experienced blueliner they so crave and Cloutier some support in his role as coach, while also allowing Bannister to make a gradual transition into coaching before retiring from the sport.
Initially it had been questioned whether Bannister, who was captain of AHL side Binghamton last season, would be handed the captaincy role at the Stingrays, however, Kurtis Dulle, who has so far done a sterling job in defence, will remain as the club's on-ice leader with Bannister joining him on the blueline.
Depending on how quickly the VISA application is put together and how smoothly that application goes, it is hoped Bannister will be in the country before the end of the month, in time to face Cardiff and Nottingham on the 27th and 28th.
